Ragman #1 Review

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comics, DC Comics, DC Comics Rebirth, Eva de la Cruz, Gotham City, Guillem March, Inaki Miranda, NCBD, New Ragman Miniseries, Ragman #1, Ragman #1 Review, Ragman Arrow, Ray Fawkes, Rory Regan, Suit of Souls

Ragman #1

Review by Paul Bowler

A hero is forged from adversity in Ragman #1 as war vet Rory Regan struggles to come to terms with his past, and embarks on a mission to confront a sinister new evil rising in Gotham City as the mysterious supernatural vigilante – Ragman! This new DC Comics Ragman mini-series by writer Ray Fakes (Constantine, Gotham By Midnight) charts a bold new reimagining of Ragman’s origin, the Jewish hero whose mystical suit of rags gives him power from the souls it has bound and drained. Fawkes is joined by artist Inaki Miranda and colorist Eva De La Cruz, in brining us this new vision of Ragman, and the series will feature covers by Guillem March.

Ragman originally debuted in 1976, and was created by DC Legends Robert Kanigher and Joe Kubert. The series was short lived but Ragman’s gritty urban setting, along with his uncanny blend of magic and mystery, has always made this champion of the downtrodden a compelling character, and he’s remained a distinct figure in the DC Universes otherworldly pantheon of characters ever since – albeit often as a guest star. This new Ragman mini-series is the first comic book series to feature Ragman in a major role since 2010’s Ragman Suit of Souls one-shot. The character also appeared in Season 5 of CW’s Arrow TV series, played by Joe Dinicol.

In a nutshell Ragman #1 finds war veteran Rory Regan still haunted by the death of his team-mates after their mission to locate a treasure in the Israeli desert gores disastrously wrong. Now back in Gotham and consumed with survivors guilt, Rory’s ongoing struggle with PTSD leads him to discover that he inadvertently brought the treasure back with him – a rag-tad suit of souls that has the ability to collects the souls of others – and it will change his life forever!

Seeing inhuman things in people’s eyes wherever he goes, events drive Rory towards his eventual transformation into Ragman, and it only then when things start to become clear to him. Together with the disembodied help of his dead team-mate, Rory learns more about the suit of rags, and its strange powers. But a dark evil is building in Gotham City. A demonic force wants the Suit of Souls, soon it will unleash its minions on those he loves most, and Rory must quickly master his new abilities as Ragman to save Gotham from this hellish threat …

Ray Fawkes does a great job in establishing the character of Ragman and keeping the plot moving along at a fast pace, whilst not getting too bogged down in exposition, as he skilfully brings the multifaceted aspects and interpretations of the character together for this new take on Ragman’s mythology. With flashbacks resonating powerfully throughout the narrative as Rory attempts to piece his life back together in present day Gotham, Rory’s struggle with PTSD, his close bond with his father, and the eventual realization of how he became Ragman all splice together with a hauntingly dream-like quality. Fawkes emotionally charged script remains eminently respectful to the character – as well as offering an entirely fresh perspective – and the results is an edgy, mystically tinged, adventure that proves to be as intriguing as it is exhilarating.

The brooding, sombre look of this Ragman series is effectively defined by artist Inaki Miranda and colorist Eva De La Cruz, with boldly stylised page layouts that stylishly reflect the beats of the story. Inaki Miranda packs in a tremendous amount of detail on every page. The characters and expressions are well defined; nerve jangling angles permeate the flashbacks, while the quieter moments as Rory deals with his PTSD sublimely punctuate the narrative. Rory’s father has always been an integral part of the Ragman mythos, and the scenes between Rory and his dad in the Rags N Tatters shop is one of this issue stand out emotional moments. Ragman’s appearance has also been suitably updated, and the character looks even more wild and dramatic than ever as his suit of souls evolves and flow with the strength of Rory’s inner demons. Eva De La Cruz’s utilizes a vivid palette of color throughout, enriching the brooding darkness and accentuating emotions with subtle shifts in tone, contrasting it with a striking Gotham skyline awash with rich urban hues, and building the ominous drama of the cliff-hanger with a spirited fission of color and shadow.

Ragman #1 ushers in an exciting new era for long-time fans of Ragman and offers a great introduction to the character for newcomers as well. Stylishly written by Ray Fawkes, with great art by Inaki Miranda, glorious colors by Eva De La Cruz, and with a stunning cover by Guillem March, Ragman #1 is a reboot that captivates your imagination as it enwraps you in its dark world. It may only be a mini-series, but on the strength of this issue, I certainly hope Ragman becomes a more permanent feature in DC’s Rebirth continuity in the future.

Publisher: DC Comics

Writer: Ray Fawkes / Art : Inaki Miranda / Colorist: Eva De La Cruz

Letterer: Josh Reed / Cover: Guillem March

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Batman (2016) Annual #1

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Batman, Batman #1 Annual, Batman (2016) Annual #1, Batman Annual #1 review, Batman Silent Night, Bilquis Evely, David Finch, DC Comics, DC Comics Rebirth, Gabe Eltaeb, Gotham, Ivan Plascencia, Jordie Bellaire, Mat Lopes, Neal Adams, Paul Dini, Ray Fawkes, Riley Rossomo, Scott Bryan, Scott Snyder, Steve Orlando, Tom King

Batman (2016) Annual #1

Review By Paul Bowler

The hush of winter snowfall settles over Gotham City as Christmas draws near in the Batman (2016) Annual #1, but as we all know, there can never truly be a “Silent Night” in Gotham for the Dark Knight, his allies, or even his enemies, in this quintet of special festive tales from the Bat-Caves finest talent!

So, considering Gotham City can be a bit of a gloomy, crime ridden, place for much of the year, you’ll be pleased to know that this Batman Annual brings some surprise Christmas cheer for Batman and Gothamities alike as the holiday season fast approaches.

First off, we have Good Boy, written by Batman series writer Tom King, with pencils and inks from David Finch, and colors by Gabe Eltaeb. Ok, well, I have to admit the first page of this one freaked me out a little. Ever since I was a kid I’ve always been very, very weary of dogs, so the start of this story put me on edge a bit. Still, its testament to King’s writing and some rather fine art from Finch that I found myself, along with Bruce, being won over by Ace and this story that turned out to be a far more heart warming tale than I first expected.

Scott Snyder returns for the next story, together with Ray Fawkes, to bring us Silent Night, a thoughtful and moving Christmas story with Declan Shalvey on pencils and inks, and colors by Jordie Bellaire. Snyder and Fawkes bring an ingeniously techno-themed spin to the Bat-Signal with a new system designed to guide Batman’s actions, and one that ultimately leads into the eponymous silent night of the title itself. Its a lovely story, beautiful rendered by Shalvey and Bellaire, and one that gives us all call to take some time out from all the technological noise and clutter of our haphazard modern world to enjoy those small moments of grace and wonder while they fleetingly last.

Not So Silent Night of the Harley Quinn is actually every bit as festive as its title suggests. The script by Paul Dini throws Batman and Harley Quinn together for a jaunt around Gotham in the Batmobile while Batman patrols. This was easily my favourite story in the Annual, mostly for the distinct style, tone and look of this story because of the pencils, inks, and colors by the brilliant Neal Adams. It was great to see this more classic take on Batman’s costume again, and the Christmas spirit also permeates every aspect of this fun story.

On the flipside, Stag, written by Steve Orlando, with pencils and inks by Riley Rossomo, and colors by Ivan Plascencia, proves an altogether different affair. There’s a sound Christmas message beating at its heart, well-meaning and indeed quite thought provoking, but I felt the coda to this story jarred somewhat. It sets up something for 2017, but it all just seemed a little too grim to me, especially considering the other stories around it.

The Insecurity Diversion rounds of this Batman Annual with a trip to Arkham and an audacious escape attempt by one of the inmates. Scott Bryan Wilson’s script builds a concise and complex narrative as the mystery unfolds, with Batman shadowing the escapee every step of the way until the real villain of the piece – who isn’t really a surprise – is revealed, but it is a journey that is nevertheless a compelling and insightful one. Excellent artwork and inks from Bilquis Evely set the scene perfectly, and Mat Lopes colors nicely complement the festive tone with cool icy tones, before the story closes as Batman turns the tables on his enemies in fine style.

I don’t normally tend to read comic book annuals as a rule, however, considering the great writers and artists involved in this Batman (2016) Annual #1 from DC Comics I simply had to check this one out (especially with its gorgeous cover by David Finch and Brad Anderson), and I’m pleased to say I wasn’t disappointed. It’s a great little anthology of Christmas themed Batman stories, each is uniquely different and brings something new to the table, and while I enjoyed some more than others, overall I thoroughly enjoyed reading this annual.

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Batman Eternal #52 Review

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Batman, Batman Eternal, Batman Eternal #52, comics, DC Comics, James Tynion IV, Kyle Higgins, Ray Fawkes, Scott Snyder, The Court of Owls, The New 52, Tim Seeley

Batman Eternal #52

Review by Paul Bowler

Gotham City is a raging inferno of chaos. Batman confronted the supposed mastermind at Beacon Tower, the Cluemaster. With the Dark Knight exhausted and beaten, Cluemaster was about to shoot Batman when the true mastermind emerged from the shadows… Lincoln March, the villain behind the Court of Owls storyline, the man who claimed he was Bruce’s brother, Thomas Wayne Jr! Dressed in his Court of Owls armour, March slit Cluemaster’s throat. Now, while Batman’s allies and the GCPD fight to save the city, the Dark Knight must confront his nemesis as the final battle between these erstwhile brothers begins…

The lives of Batman, his allies, his enemies, and even the city of Gotham itself, have become the focus of this landmark DC Comics weekly series as the Dark Knight’s world has been explored like never before over the course of this year-long event. The Bat-Epic concludes here in Batman Eternal #52, with a story from writers Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV, script also by Tynion, along with consulting writers Ray Fawkes, Kyle Higgins and Tim Seeley, in this special extra sized issue as Batman Eternal reaches its thrilling climax.

Batman Eternal #52 gives us only moments to recover from last issue shocking cliff-hanger, with an ominous flashback to The Night of the Owls and a fortuitous meeting at Harbor House, before the action-packed showdown between Batman and Lincoln March takes centre stage. While it may have been Cluemaster’s plan, it was actually Lincoln March that funded the entire operation with the resources he plundered from The Court of Owls. Now as the confrontation between March and Batman atop Beacon Tower takes to the air, this violent reunion between these supposed Wayne brothers soon comes crashing down to earth, and the location for their final battle proves a fittingly apt battleground for “Eternal” to play out on.

The pace of this issue doesn’t let up for a moment. As the fate of Gotham City hangs in the balance, it’s up to Batman’s allies to do whatever they can to help the civilians escape from the carnage that has griped the city. With Penny One and Penny Two coordinating their efforts, Batwing, Red Robin, Bluebird, and Red Hood all have their work cut out for them, and even Batgirl must race to make a last minute rescue when she least expects it.

Batman Eternal #52 features a wealth of stunning artwork for this final issue provided by: Eduardo Pansica & Julio Ferreira, Robson Rocha & Guillermo Ortego, David Lafuente, Tim Seeley, and Ray Fakes (Artists), along with Allen Passalaoua, Gabe Eltaeb, John Kalisz, John Rauch (Colors), Steve Wands (Letters), with a stunning cover by Jae Lee & June Chung, and variant cover by Andy Kubert & Brad Anderson. The different artistic styles form a perfect cohesion between the striking visual and intricate plotting required for this final issue of Batman Eternal, as the year-long storyline draws to a close. The collective work produced here is staggering, every scene builds towards the glorious moment where Jim Gordon address the city, whereby a clever twist inspired from events in Zero Year is utilized to create an urban victory for Gotham City as dozens of Bat-Signals light up the sky. It’s a rousing scene, and one of Batman Eternals finest moments ever!

With new allies joining the fray to help the Bat-Family, Commissioner Bard and the GCPD also receive some unexpected help, Spoiler faces her most life changing decision of all, and Batman’s fight with Lincoln March reaches a crucial juncture. Ever since Lincoln March’s fate and supposedly true identity as Thomas Wayne Jr was left unresolved in Batman #11, the characters return has been long expected, and the flashback to his encounter with Cluemaster brings further insight into the role he played in orchestrating the events in Batman Eternal.

The fight between Batman and Lincoln is a savage, brutal, no-holds-barred struggle, but even though Batman’s rag-tad suit is hardly a match for Lincoln’s armour, Bruce fights on, even when it seems everything is lost. It proves how indomitable the legacy of the Dark Knight really is, despite everything Bruce has had taken away from him: be it the gadgets, the money, whether being driven to the brink of physical and mental exhaustion, or even having the cape and cowl ripped away, Bruce Wayne is still the Batman, with or without all the trappings, and his personal resolve, strength, faith in his allies, and his dedication to city he is sworn to protect remains as unbreakable as the night that fateful gunshot rang out in crime alley.

So much has happened over the last year: Commissioner Gordon was framed and sentenced to life in Blackgate for unwittingly causing the subway train accident that killed over one hundred Gotham citizens, Selina Kyle went from cat burglar to Gotham’s new Kingpin of crime, Wayne Manor was transformed into a new Arkham Asylum after the latter was destroyed following an explosive supernatural event, a nano-virus wreaked havoc in the Narrows of Gotham, and the Dark Knight and his allies were tested to the limit as they battled the villains of Batman’s rogues gallery in their quest to discover the mastermind behind it all. Sure, there were a few issues where the focus of the plot meandered a little, some characters story arcs were better developed than others, but overall I think Batman Eternal provided a really gripping and exciting storyline, one that has – for the most part at least – delivered the goods week after week.

The resolution to the fight between Batman and Lincoln March is another of Batman Eternals standout moments. While perhaps not exactly the battle royal we might’ve been hoping for, that magnificent two-page spread during the major turning point of the fight is an absolute killer moment, and the scene which follows afterwards between Jim Gordon and Batman sums everything up perfectly. From here Batman Eternal gradually winds down though a series of codas that neatly ties up some loose ends and sets up some potential storylines for the future. The times they are a changing in Gotham: especially for Jason Bard and Vicky Vale, Batman and Catwoman, Penguin, Batwing, Barbara, Jason Todd, and Harper and her new flatmate, but my favourite closing scene was a particularly fun moment between Stephanie Brown and Red Robin.

As for Lincoln March..? Well, let’s just say the past has a very nasty way of catching up with him. Ironic really, considering how Lincoln thought the Cluemaster was nothing more than a second-rate nobody, that it is Lincoln March who eventually suffers the indignity and horror of becoming the greatest nobody of all…

Batman Eternal has been a milestone comic book event, the scope of this weekly series has been immense, and the all star creative team of writers Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV, Ray Fawkes, Jason Fabok, John Layman, and Tim Seeley, together with a host of superb artists including – Jason Fabok, Dustin Nguyen, Andrea Mutti, and more – have brought readers an intricately plotted and visually impressive series that has successfully managed to keep us guessing about the true identity of the villain behind everything right up until the penultimate issue

With everything in Batman Eternal taking place before the current events unfolding in Batman Endgame, the fallout from this year-long series is sure to influence the shape of things to come. We still have Batman #40 and the face-off between the Batman and the Joker on the cards for the finale of Endgame, then we’ve got the intriguing prospect of an “All New Batman” debuting in Batman #41, and if all that wasn’t enough for us to look forward to Batman Eternal Season 2 is also on the way. This second Batman Eternal storyline will be focused more on Robin and the characters that have been involved in the Dark Knights legacy as Robins, and it will be a major story event that will celebrate Robin’s 75th Anniversary!

The last page of Batman Eternal is magnificent point to close on. Over the last year we’ve seen how the Dark Knights world has gradually been torn down around him. Now, as Batman and Jim Gordon look out across the Gotham skyline it becomes apparent just how far reaching the events of Batman Eternal have been for everyone involved. Its been a tough year for Batman and Gordon, nevertheless they stand ready, prepared to face whatever the future might hold, and carry on the good fight for Gotham one more time.

Batman Eternal #52 rounds off this year-long event in fine style, it provides an exciting finale to DC Comics weekly Batman series, and sets the scene for the next era of the Dark Knight legacy to begin in earnest.

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Batman Eternal #51 Review

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Alvaro Martinze, Batman, Batman Eternal, Batman Eternal #51, Cluemaster, comics, DC Comcis, James Tynion IV, June Chung, Kyle Higgins, Raul Fernandez, Ray Fawkes, Scott Snyder, Tim Seeley

Batman Eternal #51

Review by Paul Bowler

Gotham City is burning. The crisis is spiralling out of control, villains are running wild, even the Dark Knights allies are struggling to cope. As the GCPD plan their next move, Catwoman reinforces her authority as Gotham’s Kingpin of crime. Batman raced to the Beacon Tower to confront the mastermind behind it all – the Cluemaster! Now, beaten and tied to the shattered Bat-Signal, it would seem that Batman has been completely outwitted and utterly defeated by Cluemaster. But is Cluemaster really the master criminal, or is there another waiting to be revealed..?

Cluemaster has emerged from the shadows as the major antagonist of Batman Eternal! Now the fallout from last issues cliff-hanger unfolds in Batman Eternal #51, in this story from writers Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV, featuring a great script also by James Tynion IV, and consulting writers Ray Fawkes, Kyle Higgins and Tim Seeley, as the year long weekly Batman series’ penultimate issue delvers its most shocking twist of all!

Bound to the Bat-Signal, Batman must endure yet more hardship as his identity is callously stripped away, it echoes the opening moments from Batman Eternal #1, and Cluemaster is certainly not messing about either. While he basks in the glory of his apparent victory, we learn how Cluemaster set about brining his grand scheme together. Its ingenious to say the least, it seem the misdirection it caused worked both ways, and its staggering to think what this second-rate Riddler-knock off has managed to achieve.

Meanwhile, the Bat-Family do what they can to help the citizens of Gotham, but they cannot be everywhere at once. As Catwoman cracks the whip to keep the crime families in line, over at the GCPD, the situation looks grim, and its up to Jim Gordon to inspire Commissioner Bard to step up to the plate and be the commissioner the city needs. The brief interlude featuring Bluebird and Spoiler is a great moment for both characters, Harper’s exchange with Stephanie is rooted in the very essence of everything Batman stands for, and it’s a great defining moment for Bluebird – and its one that makes me like the character more than ever.

The art by Alvaro Martinze is stunning, every scene from Tynion’s exciting script is stylishly rendered, and the action flows seamlessly along at a cracking pace. The opening scenes are ablaze with high-drama, with the cape and cowl fluttering down into the flaming streets, before events shift between Catwoman’s nightclub, the GCPD, and finally Harper’s confrontation with Spoiler. Alvaro Martinze’s superbly conveys the flashbacks detailing Cluemaster’s scheme with his cohorts, and the ferocity of Bruce’s battle with Cluemaster is also really intense and brutal. Raul Fernandez’s inks enhance every detail, and the colors by June Chung are really bold and striking.

Of course the Bat is never defeated is he? As we might have expected Batman manages to get free and give Cluemaster a good kicking, but in his weakened state even the Dark Knight struggles, his punches lack power, and the moment Cluemaster has been waiting for is finally here. So, is the Cluemaster really the big-bad of Batman Eternal, or has this been just another red herring to keep us all guessing? Well, although he may have brought Batman to the brink of his greatest defeat, let’s just say that Cluemaster soon finds out just how cutthroat and unpredictable things can get when you attempt to step up into the big league of the major villains!

The year-long Bat-Epic is almost over! Batman Eternal #51 is terrific issue, by the final, shocking page, this issue will have sunk its claws in deep, and you will be left reeling by another shocking surprise cliff-hanger!

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Batman Eternal #50 Review

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Alvaro Martinze, Bane, Batman, Batman Eternal, Batman Eternal #50, DC Comics, James Tynion IV, June Chung, Kyle Higgins, Ray Fawkes, Reul Fernandez, Scott Snyder, The New 52, Tim Seeley

Batman Eternal #50

Review by Paul Bowler

Gotham is in turmoil, the Penguin has instigated a riot in Blackgate, and villains are running amok in the city. Hush escaped and corrupted the Bat-Tec but Alfred managed to defeat him. Batman and his allies must coordinate their efforts to save Gotham City as Commissioner Bard leads a team from GCPD to rescue Gordon from Blackgate. Now, as the city burns, the Dark Knight must prepare to confront the mastermind behind it all…

Its non-stop action all the way in Batman Eternal #50, in this story from writers Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV, with script also by James Tynion IV, and consulting writers Ray Fawkes, Kyle Higgins and Tim Seeley, as this year long Bat-Epic nears its conclusion.

As the dust settle over last issues Robo-Suit-Bane Vs. Batman-In-A-Jet Fighter cliff-hanger, Batman gets a quick update of the situation in Gotham via Penny One in the Bat-Cave and Penny Two in Robin’s Nest, before setting out to end the chaos and deal with the Rogue’s Galley of villains currently giving the Bat-Family a run for their money after Hush disable their Bat-Tec. Batman isn’t messing about either, he goes up against the Scarecrow, Mr Freeze, and Clayface, using highly effective and even brutal methods to bring them down.

Commissioner Bard shouldn’t have worried so much about Gordon either. Jim’s more than capable of looking after himself, after all he’s weathered far worse things than this riot in Blackgate in his time, and it seems his marine training and the well heeded advice of an old friend has served him very well indeed here.

This is one hell of a fast-paced issue. Alvaro Martinze’s art really conveys the intense pace as events unfold in quick succession: we’ve the aftermath of Batman’s confrontation with Bane, the riot in Blackgate, showdowns with the Dark Knights deadliest foes, and Martinez also get to pack in some pretty spectacular scenes of carnage as well – especial when another villain with a penchant for fire takes to the skies as Gotham burns! Raul Fernandez’s inks also highlight the finer details in every scene, and the colors by June Chung are rich and vibrant throughout.

The refitted Wayne-Tec drones Penny One and Penny Two use to bring Batman a citywide update of the situation may have allowed the Dark Knight to help his allies, but the identity of who is actually behind everything that’s happened in Gotham remains a frustratingly elusive quandary for Batman. Its not often we see the Dark Knight like this, exhausted, worn down, and angry as hell, he becomes as ruthlessly efficient at dealing with his enemies in this issue as he does at barking out orders to the rest of the Bat-Family. There are some lighter moments though. Red Hood’s quip after Bane is defeated is fun, as is Red Robin’s comment about being offline, and Batgirl gets to show off because she didn’t need any help to defeat her opponent.

Batman Eternal #50 delivers this weekly series’ most shocking surprise of all during its closing moments. It is here, as the final pieces of the puzzle begin to fall into place, that Batman races to Beacon Tower for a confrontation with the hidden nemesis that has been responsible for all the events in Batman Eternal. The fact this moments takes place in front of the shattered Bat-Signal makes it all the more powerful and symbolic. This is an absolutely cracking issue of Batman Eternal. The clues have indeed been there right from the beginning and with only two issues remaining everything is now in place for a stunning finale to this weekly series!

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Batman Eternal #41 Review

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Batgirl, Batman, Batman Eternal #41, Batman Eternal #41 review, comics, Gotham, Harper Row, James Tynion IV, Joe Quinones, Kelsey Shannon, Kyle Higgins, Ray Fawkes, Red Hood, Red Robin, Scott Snyder, Tim Seeley

Batman Eternal #41

Review by Paul Bowler

A new threat menaces Gotham in Batman Eternal #41, as the children infected by the nano-swarm are drawn to a warehouse, where assembly has begun on a giant transmitter. It’s up to Red Robin, Batgirl, Red Hood, and Harper Row to investigate and stop whoever is controlling the nano-controlled teens before the device can be activated.

With Batman busy dealing with the Riddler, Batman Eternal #41, finds Red Robin and his allies tackling the threat posed by the nano-tech virus in this fast-paced story from writers Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV, with script by Kyle Higgins, and consulting writers Ray Fawkes, and Tim Seeley. From its chilling opening moments, the terrible power of the nano-swarm is finally revealed, and even Gotham’s protectors are unaware of the terrible danger they now face.

The spotlight falls on Red Robin, Batgirl, Red Hood, and Harper Row this issue as events focus on the victims of the nano-virus and the way they are being manipulated into building a strange device in an old warehouse. I really liked these opening scenes as Red Robin takes charge, he even keeps Batgirl and Red Hood in line, but it is the moments between Red Robin and Harper Row that really shine here. Harper is understandably worried her brother, Cullen, is also affected and inside the building. The way Red Robin persuades Harper to remain on the roof and monitor the situation is handled really well, and the advice Red Robin offers Harper is especially heartfelt and poignant.

Though initially I felt the art by Joe Quinones with colors by Kelsey Shannon seemed a little too bright and breezy, after a few pages Quinones’s bold lines and sharp attention to detail soon won me over, and together with Shannon’s vivid colors, this issues art actually really suited the nano-tech slant and themes of the story perfectly. This issue features some really inventive panel layouts as well: the stakeout merges seamlessly with the view from Red Robin’s binoculars, the brief interlude with Spoiler was also exciting, and the battle in the warehouse were Red Robin, Batgirl and Red Hood make a valiant stand against impossible odds is a kinetic flurry of dynamic angles and inter-cutting perspectives.

The Swarm also features the surprise appearance of a Bat-Villain, one whose there to see the nano-tech is used to its full potential, and someone that also coincidentally has a tenuous connection to the technology used to hypnotize Jim Gordon. Its clever how these throwaway remarks all tie into the major events that kicked off Batman Eternal, the ongoing sub-plot with the nano-swarm now makes a lot more sense as well, especially now that we are beginning to see how it actually slots into the overall scheme of things.

While I’m not entirely sure Batman would approve of Red Hood going all ballistic during the fight inside the warehouse given the age of the targets, despite the fact he uses rubber bullets, this issue of Batman Eternal is an action-packed spectacle that still finds time to squeeze in one last big surprise. With the nanites set to tear the Narrows of Gotham apart, a life changing decision will be made, and a new hero will rise to defend Gotham City. Batman Eternal #41 is a cracking issue of this weekly DC Comics series, with great story, art, and lots of surprises, it’s certainly an issue not to be missed.

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Batman Eternal #35 Review

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Batman, Batman Eternal #35, Batman Eternal #35 Review, Batmobile, comics, Commissioner Bard, DC Comics, Fenando Blanco, Gotham, Hush, James Tynion IV, Kyle Higgins, Marcelo Maiolo, Ray Fawkes, Scott Snyder, Tim Seeley

Batman Eternal #35

Review by Paul Bowler

Events in Batman Eternal #35 introduce the new world order in Gotham. Batman confronted Hush and defeated him. However, it was far from a decisive victory for the Dark Knight. Wayne Enterprises and its subsidiaries have been seized because of their involvement with Batman’s secret weapons caches. Bruce Wayne’s assets are frozen, Wayne Manor is being transformed into Arkham Manor, and now it seems that the GCPD have actually beaten Batman!

Batman Eternal #35 opens with a short flash forward to the action-packed final moments depicted on this issues cover, before detailing the events that have transpired following the fall of Hush. Out of Control begins the third act of Batman Eternal with a bang, in this fast paced story by writers Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV, with script also by James Tynion IV, and consulting writers Ray Fawkes, Kyle Higgins, and Tim Seeley, in which Lucius Fox sets out just how bad things really are for Bruce Wayne now that Wayne Enterprises has fallen and the remnants of Batman Incorporated have been raided by Commissioner Bard.

With Hush now confined in the Batcave and construction crews working on Arkham Manor, it falls to Julia Pennyworth to keep watch over their prisoner while ensuring the cave is secure until Bruce can establish a new base in the city. Meanwhile, Vicky Vale begins working on new story, one that leads her back to Bard’s old stomping ground in Detroit. In order to draw Batman out, Commissioner Bard orders the demolition of the Wayne housing restoration project. Thanks to a thinly veiled warning from Lucius Fox, Batman knows he will be driving into a trap, yet despite Julia’s warnings his attempt to force a confrontation may yet prove unfounded as Bard and the GCPD seem better prepared than the Dark Knight anticipated.

The art by Fenando Blanco, with its dynamic panel layouts, really brings across the intense tone of Batman Eternal #34, and the colors by Marcelo Maiolo also complements Blanco’s work perfectly. From Bruce’s initial meeting with Fox in the shadow of Wayne Tower, to the scenes in the Batcave, and the pedal to the metal excitement of the closing moments, Blanco’s richly detailed environments and Maiolo’s bold colors ensures this issue of Batman Eternal looks great and wrings every ounce of tension from the action-packed plot.

The big highlight of this issue sees Commissioner Bard doing a Batman Returns style hijack of the Batmobile, taunting the Dark Knight from the screen on the dashboard, while Batman struggles to regain control of the vehicle. Over the exciting final pages, the net slowly closes in on Batman as the Batmobile is sent flying – quite literally – through the heart of everything Bruce’s fortune and reputation stands for before culminating in one of this weekly series most thrilling cliff-hangers to date.

It is this moment, together with the startling revelations uncovered by Vicky Vale about Gotham’s new Police Commissioner, that kicks off this dark new chapter of Batman Eternal and keeps us guessing right up until the final page as Batman’s world gradually unravels around him. Batman Eternal #35 contains plenty of twists and turns in the plot to keep you hooked right from the first page, which together with its excellent artwork, makes this another thoroughly exciting and enjoyable issue of this weekly DC Comics series.

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Batman Eternal #34 Review

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Alfred, Alvaro Martinez, Batman, Batman Eternal, Batman Eternal #34, Batman Eternal #34 Review, Brad Anderson, comics, DC Comics, Gotham, Hush, James Tynion IV, Julia Pennyworth, Kyle Higgins, Raul Fernandez, Ray Fawkes, Scott Snyder, The New 52, Tim Seeley, Wayne Enterprises

Batman Eternal #34

Review by Paul Bowler

With marshal law declared in Gotham City and the destruction of Arkham Asylum, Batman and his allies have discovered that Commissioner Bard was in league with Hush all along. Now Hush is targeting Batman’s secret weapons caches all over the city. In order to prevent Hush detonating more sites Batman and Alfred’s daughter, Julia, must split up and disable the explosives at each location. After Julia is confronted by Hush at the Cicero weapons cache, the Dark Knight races to the rescue, and events soon draw Batman towards a fateful showdown with Hush that could very well spell the end of Wayne Enterprises itself…

Julia Pennyworth battles valiantly against Hush in Batman Eternal #34, which sets in motion a chain of events that result in the Dark Knight’s world being shaken to the core like never before. State of Truth is another action packed issue of this weekly DC Comics series, with its densely plotted storyline from writers Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV, script by Kyle Higgins, and consulting writers Ray Fawkes, and Tim Seeley, providing us with a nail biting fight between Penny Two and Hush that really galvanises Julia’s role in Batman Eternal and elevates her standing as one of Batman’s newest, and perhaps most trusted of allies.

The aforementioned fight is blisteringly violent, with no quarter given and none taken, and the ensuing aftermath – with the heightened tension caused by Julia’s plight – sees Batman facing a race against time to save her from an explosive end. The outcome is ingeniously devised, and there are a couple of heart stopping moments that will keep you guessing too.

With Lucius Fox dealing with the backlash against Wayne Enterprises because of its involvement with Batman’s hidden weapon caches, the Mayor and Commissioner Bard continue to put pressure on Fox to deal with the situation. Meanwhile in the cave, Batman notices that Hush has accessed another cache in a location that holds a great significance for both of them, one that inexorably leads them towards a decisive confrontation.

Alvaro Martinez does a great job with the art for Batman Eternal #34, together with Raul Fernandez’s Inks, and colors by Brad Anderson, they maintain this weekly series high standard of art to deliver a stylishly crafted issue that seamlessly brings a distinct tone and style to each of the key locations featured throughout the story. The intensity of the fight between Hush and Julia is superb, its edge of the seat stuff, and you feel like you are right there with Batman as he frantically claws through the rubble to find her. The scenes at Wayne Enterprises and the Batcave set everything up for the brutal showdown between Batman and Hush; which unfolds over the final pages utilising impressive and dynamic panel layouts that really draw you into the heart of the action.

Batman Eternal #34 continues to impress with its diverse cast of characters, great story and art, and this issue in particular propels the main story-arc towards a startling turning point that few could have predicted. Everything the Dark Knight stands for is about to come crashing down around him. This is one of the best issues so far in this weekly series, tautly scripted and visually striking, Batman Eternal #34 holds dark portents for Gotham, Gordon, and even Bruce Wayne as the full scale of Hush’s grand design finally becomes clear!

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Batman Eternal #29 Review

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Arkham Asylum, Batman Eternal #29, Batman Eternal #29 Review, Batwing, comics, DCComics, Deacon Blackfire, Hush, James Tynion IV, Jim Corrigan, Joker's Daughter, Kyle Higgins, Ray Fawkes, Romulo Fajardo JR, Scott Snyder, Simon Coleby, The New Doctor, The Spectre, Tim Seeley

Batman Eternal #29

Review by Paul Bowler

Gotham is gripped by chaos, marshal law has been declared, and Commissioner Bard is in league with Hush. Now that Batman and his allies know the truth about Bard’s alliance with Hush, and with Catwoman, the daughter of the Lion, determined to reassert the natural order of crime in Gotham, all Hell is about to break loose in Arkham Asylum. The spirit of Deacon Blackfire has possessed Maxi Zeus, the Deacon and his supernatural forces now control Arkham. Batwing and Jim Corrigan are trapped. The power of the Spectre is all that can help them now, but the Deacon has other ideas, one that will unleash Hell on Gotham City itself!

The pieces of Hush’s grand design begin to fall into place in Batman Eternal #29, as the Dark Knight evaluates the full extent of the corruption within the GCP, Bard’s betrayal, and the nano-swarm in the Narrows. The City of Shadow and Doubt also brings Arkham’s role in events to the fore, in this dark storyline by writers Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV, with script by Ray Fawkes, and consulting writers Tim Seeley, and Kyle Higgins, as Batwing and Jim Corrigan face the supernatural resurrection of Deacon Blackfire in Arkham Asylum.

Batman Eternal #29 picks up this supernatural subplot with ghoulish relish, the sight of Alfred alone, raving in a cell, driven out of his mind after Hush injected fear toxin directly into his brain, is enough to send chills down the spine. There are some disturbing interludes with the Joker’s daughter, Hush is also stalking the streets of Gotham, implementing another stage in his plan, and Batwing has to claw his way back through Arkham after becoming separated from Jim Corrigan – who is now at the mercy of Deacon Blackfire.

Batwing’s struggle to escape from the phantoms beneath Arkham, trapped underwater, with his air supply running out, is another highlight of this issue. Its good to see how Batwing manages to cope with his predicament, especially with so many of his suits systems offline, he’s able to fight back against the supernatural forces and re-establish his com-link with Batman. This leads to a great scene, were Alfred’s daughter, Julia, now acting as Penny Two, is able to coordinate their efforts from the cave, and work together to attempt to decipher the cryptic code from the Riddler’s cell that Batwing’s suit has been analysing.

The art by Simon Coleby really helps to build the dark and sinister tone of this issue. The exterior scenes in Gotham, especially those featuring Hush and the Joker’s daughter, bring us right down to street level, while Batman takes to the air to tackle the GCPD’s heavy handed approach to the civil unrest in Gotham. Coleby’s art brings a dark, gritty tone to a variety of locations and characters, each superbly defined and illustrated, which, together with Romulo Fajardo JR’s intricate colors and subtle tones, really enhances the brooding atmosphere of impending dread that permeates every aspect of this issue as events unfold in Arkham.

Batman Eternal #29, with its diverse plot, extensive cast of characters, and spellbinding action, is the culmination of several plot threads that have been developing for a while now over the course of this weekly series. This issue builds to a nerve jangling climax; as Batwing races to save Jim Corrigan from Deacon Blackfire’s power, and the paranormal shocks and twists continue right up until the final page. Batman Eternal #29 continues to impress on every level, with its great story and art, this excellent issue sets the stage for some significant developments at Arkham Asylum just in time for Halloween!

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Batman Eternal #23 Review

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Batman, Batman Eternal, Batman Eternal #23, Batman Eternal #23 Review, Blackgate Penitentiary, Catwoman, DC Comics, Derek Fridolfs, Dustin Nguyem, Hush, James Tynion IV, John Kalisz, Julia Pennyworth, Kyle Higgins, Ray Fawkes, Scott Snyder, The New 52, Tim Seeley

Batman Eternal #23

Review by Paul Bowler

Hush has returned to Gotham. He attacked Alfred in Wayne Manor, injecting a fear toxin directly into his brain. After discovering the Bat-Cave, Alfred’s daughter, Julia, must help Batman stop the Architect from destroying the Beacon Tower. With the newly appointed Commissioner Bard also corrupt, and secretly working with Hush, the evidence that could have proved Jim Gordon’s innocence has been destroyed. Now as the crime families vie for power, Catwoman’s secret past is finally revealed. The answers she seeks reside in Blackgate Penitentiary, where she must ultimately decide what her role in Gotham’s order of crime will be.

Batman Eternal #23 has a lot of ground to cover following the events of the last few issues, with the riot in Blackgate Penitentiary, Batman’s mission with Killer Croc and Bard in the sewers, Batwing and Jim Corrigan’s investigation at Arkham, and Batgirl’s quest to clear her fathers name, the action continues to unfold at a rapid pace as this weekly series shifts its focus towards Catwoman. With it’s intricately plotted storyline by writers Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV, with script by Tim Seeley, and consulting writers Ray Fawkes, and Kyle Higgins, Batman Eternal #23 makes the most of its extensive cast of characters and locations as it draws together a number of ongoing plot threads and sets the stage for even bigger things to come.

When Catwoman interrupts the latest skirmish between Mr Ibanescue and Tiger Shark for control of Gotham’s black market, her attempt to rescue a snow leopard cub from the carnage at the east end train yards doesn’t go well. Unable to save the wounded leopard cub back at her apartment, Selina receives a surprise visit from Jade, Killer Croc’s young friend who fences supplies into Blackgate Penitentiary, and who now brings a message for Selina from an old friend.

Batman’s fight with the Architect, another associate of Hush, continues high atop the Beacon Tower. With Alfred hospitalised, the Dark Knight is now reliant on Penny-Two, Alfred’s daughter Julia to relay information to him from the Bat-Cave. Julia’s role is becoming increasingly vital to the Dark Knight, especially with Alfred out of action, and I like the dynamic that’s developing between her and Batman. As the showdown with the Architect reaches its climax, an earth shattering surprise awaits us, and its one that is sure to have big implications for Gotham’s future.

The majority of Batman Eternal #23 is cantered around Catwoman’s secret visit to Blackgate Penitentiary. With Jade’s help, Catwoman manages to gain access to the prison through a drainage pipe, where Rex Calabrese “The Lion” is waiting to meet her. After a furious exchange, where Catwoman’s past is brought into sharp focus, Rex reveals that Jade’s father was also a gangster, just like Selina’s… Rex knows that Gotham is in chaos without a kingpin to maintain the order, and is certain there is only one person who can now unite the families before they tear the city apart… I really like how this issue of Batman Eternal flows into the narrative of the events we saw in Batman 28, the special “spoiler issue” released mid-way through Zero Year, that showed how Catwoman would become the new Kingpin of Gotham City – and these scenes between Selina and Rex Calabrese in Batman Eternal #23 proved a nice precursor to these future events.

Dustin Nguyem’s artwork perfectly captures the dark, foreboding skyline of Gotham, from the brutality of the dogfight, to the griminess of Blackgate Penitentiary, and there is also get a brief interlude in the sewers with Killer Croc. The short scenes in Sliena’s apartment and those in the Bat-Cave with Julie, with their pristine interiors and high-tech gadgetry, highlight’s the oppressive presence of the city even further. Nguyem’s pencils bring a real sense of kinetic energy to the action, which together with Derek Fridolfs inks, and colorist John Kalisz, makes Batman Eternal #23 a darkly atmospheric and visually impressive issue, one that is epic in scale and packed with exciting character development to accentuate the big action sequences.

The return of Hush has brought an added sense of tension to main story arc in Batman Eternal. We also have Commissioner Bard’s betrayal, having already become close to Vicky Vale, the new commissioner is also in league with Hush, and continues to consolidate his position of power this issue by pressuring the Governor to declare marshal law in Gotham. With the crime war still escalating, Jim Gordon serving a life sentence in Blackgate Penitentiary, the ongoing haunting inside Arkham Asylum, together with the Nanovirus that’s been sweeping through the Narrows, and now the devastating attack on the Beacon Tower, the corrupt forces conspiring to destroy the Dark Knight and his allies are beginning to close in.

Batman Eternal #23 is another great issue; The Lioness is a multi-layered story, which, together with the dynamic artwork, continues to develop the ongoing plot in completely new and unexpected directions.

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